Vulnerability of Riparian Obligate Species to the Interactive Effect of Fire, Climate and Hydrological Change

Megan M. Friggens, Rachel Loehman, Lisa Holsinger, Deborah Finch
Posted on: 7/18/2022 - Updated on: 7/12/2023

Posted by

CAKE Team

Published

Abstract

 

Climate change is expected to have multiple direct and indirect impacts on ecosystems in the interior western U.S. (Christensen et al., 2007; IPCC 2013). Global climate predictions for the Southwest include higher temperatures, more variable rainfall, and more drought periods, which will likely exacerbate the ongoing issues relating to wildfire and water allocation in the region (Christensen et al., 2007). Of particular concern to managers are the effects of climate and related changes on riparian habitats, which support a disproportionate amount of the biodiversity in the region.

The Rio Grande Basin contains important water sources and habitats for municipalities, agriculture, recreation and wildlife in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas (Figure 1). The Rio Grande Basin also contains critical habitat for a number of riparian dependent species including the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher and the Rio Grande silvery minnow (BOR 2011). Climate change is expected to alter river flows through modified precipitation regimes and higher temperatures that increase evapotranspiration rates (Hansen 1991). Mean annual runoff is projected to decrease from 7.3 to 14.4% by 2050 (BOR 2011). Increased fire potential, though not well defined for riparian habitats, is also an issue where it may favor the establishment of exotic species like Tamarisk and accelerate the degradation of riparian forests (Ellis 2001). In addition, human populations in the region are expected to grow considerably, putting more pressure on natural systems competing for resources. Because competing land and water use leaves the riparian habitats of rivers like the Rio Grande are highly vulnerable to degradation, resource managers need information and tools to identify future conditions under various climate and fire scenarios.

By assessing and understanding the impacts of climate and related disturbance change on these important habitats, managers will be able to better focus limited resources on the most critical needs as well as identify opportunities for promoting natural regeneration of riparian woodland and wetland habitats.

Citation

Friggens, M.M., Loehman, R., Holsinger, L., Finch, D. (2014). Final Report for Interagency Agreement #13-IA-11221632-006. Albuquerque, NM: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 213 p.

Affiliated Organizations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service is a Federal agency that manages public lands in national forests and grasslands. The Forest Service is also the largest forestry research organization in the world, and provides technical and financial assistance to state and private forestry agencies. Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the Forest Service, summed up the purpose of the Forest Service—"to provide the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people in the long run."

The Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) is one of seven regional units that make up the USDA Forest Service Research and Development organization—the most extensive natural resources research organization in the world. We maintain 12 field laboratories throughout a 12-state territory encompassing the Great Basin, Southwest, Rocky Mountains and parts of the Great Plains (see map). Our research program serves the Forest Service as well as other federal and state agencies, international organizations, Tribes, academia, non-profit groups and individuals.

Research has been part of the Forest Service mission since the agency’s inception in 1905. The Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) is an integral component of USDA Forest Service Research and Development (R&D). 

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